Mensink, Pais Top Cyclists of 2010

Portugal’s Bruno Pais and the Netherland’s Lisa Mensink have wrapped up the 2010 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series as the leaders of the Best Cyclist Rankings, presented by Specialized. Each athlete has been awarded a $5,000 bonus as part of this brand-new ranking system. The ITU Best Segment Rankings were introduced earlier this year to reward the most consistent swimmers, bikers and runners throughout the season. A total of $60,000 (USD) is awarded to the top-three athletes in each discipline.

In the race for the best female cyclist of 2010, Mensink was the clear winner, finishing the season with a total of 70 points. Mensink, who is a Canadian and Dutch dual citizen, posted the fastest bike split of the day at the Series Grand Final in Budapest (56:03). She thrived on tough courses, posting one of the top bike splits in Sydney and Kitzbühel. Rounding out the top three cyclists of 2010 are Germany’s Svenja Bazlen and Switzerland’s Nicola Spirig.

As with the women, the race for the best male cyclist of 2010 was a one-sided affair. Pais wrapped up the season with 70 total points, easily finishing well ahead of the pack. Pais reeled off the quickest split of the day in Budapest (52:52), and was also the top rider of the day on the gruelling course in Madrid. Finishing second in the men’s Best Cyclist Rankings is American Chris Foster, who put up the best time of the race on the highly technical course in Seoul (1:01:21). Foster finished up the year with 33 points, just 1.5 points ahead of former pro cyclist Ivan Rana of Spain.
Final Rankings/Prize Money (USD)1. Bruno Pais (POR) 70 points, $5,000
2. Chris Foster (USA) 33 points, $3,000
3. Ivan Rana (ESP) 31.5 points, $2,000